When do we find out about need-based aid directly from colleges?

So I’ve heard back from three colleges: UCF (deferred), Flagler (accepted with $3000/year merit), and Keiser Flagship/West Palm (accepted with $9000/year merit). My problem is even with my Pell Grant and the FRAG this would not be enough to bridge the gap. I’m a Florida resident so if Bright Futures is 100% tuition again I would be able to make it work at Keiser, but Flagler would still be a stretch.

My EFC is $0 and my family was displaced by Irma so this year has been extremely rough on my family financially. Even though Flagler is my top choice I cried when I opened the acceptance letter because I’ve worked so hard but the merit aid won’t be enough. I’m at a loss at what to do.

Do colleges send a full financial package separately? Or does anyone have any advice that may help my situation?

Yes, they should send you a financial award letter, but it may not come until February. What did the NPC show? I think at Flagler you can count on the $3000 merit, $5920 Pell, $3300 FRAG, and probably $1000 SEOG and $1000 FRAG (Florida version of SEOG). So that’s $14220. You also get at least the ‘regular’ BF or about $3100, and you can take the $5500 Direct loan. That’s $22820.

Flagler lists its COA at $33k, but tuition/room/board at $28k. That’s a lot of room for you to economize (travel, books, personal expenses).

@twoinanddone Their NPC only shows what scholarships you qualify for, in which case it said $6900 for BF based on previous awards (although 18-19 award amount hasn’t been announced yet), $3000 merit, and the FRAG.

My situation for travel, books, and personal expenses is complicated. I’m visually impaired and living on campus is an absolute must, and I wanted large print books but my expectations are extremely low, especially considering how hard they are to find and how expensive they are. The DBS is supposed to be helping me with my college application process, along with getting help with accommodations, but ever since they dropped me they’ve ignored all calls and e-mails.

Well, you can call them or you can wait. I’d think they’d have a relationship with the DBS since they are in the same neighborhood.

Does Flagler have TRIO support services for first generation and economically disadvantaged students?

Can you find out if they have resources to help you with books and such?

@twoinanddone @mommdc I have been working through the Lighthouse of Manasota and they haven’t answered any form of communication for a month and a half. I’m going to start looking for other resources, I really can just use a magnifier but I just need to make sure it would be allowed for me.

I’m going to call and ask if they have any active TRIO projects, thank you for the resource! And I will mention my book/visual aid situation as well. I looked through Flagler’s OOSD page and it seems like I shouldn’t have trouble with this.

you should also speak with your counselor to find what services/funding is available from the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

http://www.rehabworks.org/